Major weight loss achieved through either natural means or bariatric surgery is a great accomplishment that allows patients to significantly improve their appearance and overall quality of life, while also reducing the risk of weight-related health conditions.
When you have accomplished significant weight loss, whether through natural means or bariatric surgery, this is a great accomplishment that reduces the risk of weight-related health conditions, while also improving your quality of life and your appearance. After large amounts of weight loss, however, many patients are left with loose, hanging skin that has been stretched out by the excess weight and does not conform to the body’s new contours. There may also be one or more problem areas that has not responded well to weight loss methods and still contains localized areas of stubborn fat.
To help put the finishing touch on your weight loss transformation, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor offers a number of lifting procedures that can help you fully realize and enjoy the results of your weight loss.
The goal of body contouring after weight loss
Many patients seek body contouring procedures to complete the weight loss process and achieve a smooth, toned appearance that they will be proud to show off. Body contouring procedures often target stubborn fat problem areas such as the:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Breasts/chest
- Arms
- Face
Dr. R. Brannon Claytor
Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 20 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.
Your body contouring procedure options
During your pre-surgical consultation, Dr. Claytor will develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and goals for surgery. There is no one-size-fits-all body contouring plan, and your existing anatomy and goals will influence what is included in your surgical plan. However, some combination of these procedures is often included in our male patients’ body contouring procedure plan:
- Body lift: Also known as a belt lipectomy or a 360-degree tummy tuck, this procedure removes excess skin and adipose tissue from the front, sides, and back of the torso and tightens stretched abdominal muscles. Dr. Claytor is an expert in the drainless tummy tuck, a unique surgical technique that leaves a thin layer of scarpas fascia intact to allow for natural lymphatic drainage—eliminating the need for cumbersome post-surgical drains. This technique is incorporated into the lower body lift, as well.
- Arm lift: Through an incision placed along the inside of the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder, an arm lift removes excess skin, any fat deposits, and tightens muscles as needed for a slim, proportional arm contour.
- Thigh lift: A thigh light can be performed in the inner and/outer thighs to remove this uncomfortable excess skin.
- Facelift: Significant weight may also affect the face neck, in addition to the body. Dr. Claytor uses a deep plane facelift technique to reposition the deeper structures within the neck and mid-to-lower face, remove excess fat and skin, and reposition fallen fat pads to restore a strong jawline and youthful appearance.
Any of these body contouring procedures may be combined with liposuction to achieve more comprehensive results by addressing any underlying fat deposits. Multiple procedures, staged several months or more apart, may be needed in order to achieve desired results and to reduce the trauma of treating several different body areas at once.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Removes excess skin and enhances body shape
- Reveals weight loss achievements
- Reduces skin chafing and irritation, allowing for comfortable movement and exercise
- Achieves a better fit and appearance in clothing, broadening wardrobe options
- Lessens skin folds that can trap moisture and bacteria
Abdominoplasty: A surgical procedure often known as a “tummy tuck” designed to make the abdomen thinner and firmer.
Brachioplasty: Also known as an arm lift, this procedure removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.
Body Contouring: A range of procedures aimed at improving the overall shape and appearance of the body, often following significant weight loss.
Liposuction: A cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body.
Body Lift: A surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess sagging skin and fat, improving the shape and tone of the underlying tissue.
Panniculectomy: Removal of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen.
Lipofilling: The process of transferring fat from one part of the body to another to improve the contours and appearance.
VASER Lipo: A type of liposuction that uses ultrasonic technology to remove fat.
Circumferential Body Lift: Also known as Belt Lipectomy, this surgery enhances the lower body’s appearance, including the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Thighplasty: Known as a thigh lift, this procedure reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and, in some cases, fat.
Compression Garment: Special clothing worn to provide support and minimize swelling after surgery.
Incision: The surgical cut made in the skin during an operation.
Recovery Time: The period needed for a patient to heal post-surgery.
Anesthesia: Drugs used during surgery to relieve pain and sensations.
Sutures: Stitches used to hold together the edges of a wound.
Drainless Body Lift: A technique where the surgeon avoids using surgical drains, instead opting for other methods to reduce fluid buildup post-surgery.
What are the risks of post-weight loss body contouring surgery?
Body contouring procedures are generally considered safe, especially when performed by an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. It is important for patients to be in good overall health, at a stable weight and to maintain realistic expectations for surgery. These procedures cannot serve as a means for significant weight loss, but instead reduce the appearance of loose, sagging skin for a smoother body contour.
This 46-year-old achieved massive weight loss. They are shown in the after photos 5 months after a body lift.
*Individual results may vary.
Why choose Dr. Claytor for your plastic surgeon?
Double Board-Certified for a high level of safety and precision
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Main Line Health, a top health system
Board Member of The Aesthetic Society, shaping the future of aesthetics
8x Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor for exceptional patient care
Recognized as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek
Drain-free recovery expert for faster, more comfortable healing
Deep plane facelift innovator and global educator
Active researcher in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic advancements
Highly regarded for his surgical expertise and outcomes, as well as his dedicated follow-up care
Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery is here to serve patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line, and the surrounding areas. Philadelphia board certified plastic surgeon Dr. R. Brannon Claytor has over 20 years of experience offering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. A member of The Aesthetic Society’s Board of Trustees, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Claytor is dedicated to continuously advancing his surgical techniques and teaching his methods to colleagues at national meetings. In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Claytor the Chief of Plastic Surgery for Main Line Health Systems, and is a Clinical Associate Professor at Lankenau Institute of Medical Research. In addition to these credentials, Dr. Claytor is focused on you, and is dedicated to spending time with each patient to learn about your personal priorities and goals first and foremost.
Schedule your body contouring consultation in PhiladelphiaTo learn if a men’s facelift, arm lift, body lift or other body contouring surgeries may be right for you, or to get answers to your questions, please call our Bryn Mawr office at (610) 527-4833 or contact us online to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Claytor. We look forward to helping you reach your goals.
References »
Soldin M, Mughal M, Al-Hadithy N; Department of Health; British association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons; Royal College of Surgeons England. National commissioning guidelines: body contouring surgery after massive weight loss. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2014 Aug;67(8):1076-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.04.031.
Aldaqal SM, Makhdoum AM, Turki AM, Awan BA, Samargandi OA, Jamjom H. Post-bariatric surgery satisfaction and body-contouring consideration after massive weight loss. North American Journal of Medicine and Science. 2013 Apr;5(4):301-5. doi: 10.4103/1947-2714.110442.
Friedman T. [POST MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS BODY CONTOURING SURGERIES CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO OBESITY TREATMENT]. Harefuah. 2020 Aug;159(8):607-611. Hebrew.
Herman CK, Hoschander AS, Wong A. Post-Bariatric Body Contouring. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2015 Aug;35(6):672-87. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv008.
ElAbd R, Samargandi OA, AlGhanim K, Alhamad S, Almazeedi S, Williams J, AlSabah S, AlYouha S. Body Contouring Surgery Improves Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021 Jun;45(3):1064-1075. doi: 10.1007/s00266-020-02016-2.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Oct 28, 2024
